Taoyuan Airport ad campaign aims to prevent customs violations

桃園機場廣告宣傳活動旨在防止海關違規行為

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has launched an advertising campaign aimed at preventing customs violations, drawing attention online for its use of fierce-looking quarantine dogs.

The campaign by the airport’s quarantine station features bold visuals and wordplay to warn travelers against smuggling prohibited plant and animal products into Taiwan, per CNA.

One poster, highlighted by a Japanese tourist on social media platform X, shows a snarling detection dog alongside the phrase “I see you,” sparking widespread discussion among netizens in Taiwan and Japan. The post quickly went viral, attracting nearly 800,000 views within five days.

According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency Taoyuan Branch, the campaign was designed to stand out among the many messages travelers encounter upon arrival. Officials said traditional posters featuring images of banned items such as fruit and dried meat had become less effective in capturing attention.

Wu Si-hong (吳思宏), director of the agency’s Taoyuan Branch, said the new approach uses more eye-catching imagery, including stern-looking quarantine dogs paired with high-contrast text, to emphasize the seriousness of violations and potential fines.

Wu said handlers contributed photos of their dogs, many of which were taken during everyday moments such as playtime or veterinary visits. Some of the more intense-looking images were selected deliberately to reinforce the message, per CNA.

There are currently 25 quarantine dogs working at the airport, officials said, adding that the images circulating online have been in use for nearly a year. The quarantine station regularly updates its promotional materials to reflect holidays and special events.

Previous campaigns have included lighter themes featuring puppies or festive designs for occasions such as the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Officials said the goal is to use varied and engaging visuals to raise awareness among international travelers and reduce the risk of illegal imports, while helping passengers better understand Taiwan’s quarantine regulations.